Towards a new technique : the approach of Peter Feuchtwanger and Martin Friedman to piano technique documented in historical perspective

Abstract

The technique documented in this thesis is being recorded for the first time. I am indebted to Prof. G. van der Geest for allowing me to conduct original research for my Honours Degree. Owing to the nature of this research very few sources are available dealing specifically with the technical aspect of this method. The only printed sources currently available are two magazine articles. both interviews with the developer. Peter Feuchtwanger. Further source materials. besides the standard reference works used for comparative purposes. consist of comprehensive notes to a lecture written by Peter Feuchtwangerls close friend. some time assistant and pupil. Marian Friedman. Two in-depth personal interviews were conducted with Ms Friedman and have been duly noted in the bibliography. About Peter Feuchtwanqer Peter Feuchtwanger is not only a world-renowned piano teacher with such famous pupils as Shura Cherkassky. Marc Raubenheimer and Martha Argerich, but has also taught winners of international competitions such as the Rubinstein International Competition in Israel. Aoart from teaching privately. Feuchtwanger also presents master classes in Germany. the USA. Israel. .Japan and other countries. including his annual classes in interpretation in Switzerland (in Lutry. Sion and Rapperswil Castle) (Burkhalter 1980:310). Feuchtwanger notes his most influential teachers as being his first teacher. Gertie Rainer (a pupil of Emil von Sauer). and Dr Hans Heimler (a pupil of Schenker. Weingartner and Alban Berg). Other notable pianistic influences were Cortot. Backhaus. Schnabel and other "Golden Age" pianists such as Hoffman. Lhevinne and de Pachmann. Other musical influences include Kreisler. Sarasate and Casals. but most especially the great singers of the Italian Bel Canto such as Tetrazzini. Destinn. Gluck. Melba and Patti (feuchtwanger 1988:80). Kathleen Ferrier and Bruno Walter also influenced his musical approach and thinking. but it was the great musicianship and humility of the pianist Clara Haskil which had the greatest influence on his pianism and approach to music as a whole (Feuchtwanger 1988:82).